Visit to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

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May 20, 2011

Governor General to Visit Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

OTTAWA—His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will visit Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, on Saturday, May 21, 2011.

During this visit, the Governor General will officiate at a ceremony to consecrate and present The Queen’s colours and those of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean.

The Governor General will also meet with mayors from the regional county municipality (RCM) of Haut-Richelieu and visit with people affected by the flooding in Montérégie. He will acknowledge the contributions of the many volunteers who have shown their support since the beginning of this crisis.

Saturday, May 21Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec

10:00 a.m.Consecration and Presentation of Colours Ceremony at the Royal Military College Saint-JeanThe Governor General will officiate at a ceremony consecrating and presenting The Queen’s colours and those of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean. Approved by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, these colours represent military honour and sense of duty. The consecration is an opportunity for servicemen and servicewomen to renew their commitment to always serve The Queen and their country with dignity and dedication.

During the ceremony, the Governor General will also present the Collegiate Bronze Governor General's Academic Medal (post-secondary diploma level) to an officer cadet who has distinguished himself during his studies. Created in 1873, the Academic Medals encourage academic excellence across the nation. Over the years, they have become the most prestigious award that students in Canadian schools can receive.Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Saint-Jean-sur-RichelieuOPEN TO MEDIA

In the afternoon:

(Time to be confirmed)Visit to a Reception and Information Centre for Flooding VictimsThe Governor General will visit the Saint-Blaise-sur-Richelieu reception and information centre, where the Red Cross has been helping people since April 29, 2011. His Excellency will thank the volunteers for their invaluable help during this crisis.

Teams of volunteers trained in emergency response receive people at the reception and information centre, which is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The volunteers help relocate families and provide them with food vouchers, as well as offer moral support and comfort in these difficult times. To date, over 300 volunteers have taken turns working in various reception and information centres set up across the region over the last few weeks, during which time they have provided assistance to over 2 300 people.Reception and information centre, Saint-Blaise-sur-RichelieuOPEN TO MEDIA – Upon His Excellency’s arrival

(Time to be confirmed)Meeting with Mayors from the RCM of Haut-RichelieuUpon his arrival at City Hall, the Governor General will be welcomed by His Worship Gérard Dutil, Mayor of the Municipality of Saint-Paul-de-l’Île-aux-Noix who will also host the meeting. During this event, His Excellency will recognize the important role elected municipal officials play in rallying communities together. In the afternoon, the Governor General will meet with local citizens to highlight the courage and solidarity of the people of these communities and offer them words of encouragement.City Hall, Saint-Paul-de-l’Île-aux-NoixPHOTO OP – Upon His Excellency’s arrival and at the beginning of the meeting